The Shocking Twist in Transformers 7: Optimus & Mirage's Fate Will Leave You Stunned

During production of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, director Steven Caple Jr. initially conceived a darker fate for two beloved Autobot characters. In the film's original ending, Optimus Prime and Mirage were left in dire circumstances after facing off against new Cybertronian factions and a planet-destroying threat. Peter Cullen once again voiced the legendary Optimus Prime, while newcomer Pete Davidson brought Mirage to life. However, Caple Jr. ultimately decided to revise the ending after test audiences had a different reaction.

After the tumultuous year that was 2020, it became clear that audiences were craving happier endings. While I initially had a darker version of the film in mind, I ultimately wanted to create something more uplifting. However, there was a version of the film where Prime ventured into space and ended up with Unicron after destroying the [Transwarp] Key. Additionally, Mirage didn't return, and although the movie still received good ratings, it felt like something was missing. When the victory was met with silence instead of applause and cheers, it was clear that the heroes needed to emerge triumphant. Optimus Prime, Noah, and Elena had to win.

Would Transformers: Rise of the Beast's Original Ending Have Worked?

To ensure the success of the movie and cater to a global audience, the team worked hard to include victories and jokes that would resonate with everyone. However, it was always a challenge to gauge the audience's reaction as it varied from place to place. Despite this, they persevered and kept the idea alive throughout the movie. Test screenings proved to be helpful in achieving this goal.

The alternative ending of Transformers: Rise of the Beast could have sparked some canonical questions as it drew similarities with previous movies in the franchise. For example, the fate of Optimus in the alternative ending resembles his introduction in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), where the Autobot leader was lost in space before being discovered by Quintessa (Gemma Chan). Moreover, the introduction of Unicron in the 2017 film could have further drawn comparisons between the two movies. However, the final version of Transformers: Rise of the Beast had a more satisfying and upbeat conclusion.

The decision to kill off Mirage in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts may have disappointed audiences as the dynamic between Noah and Mirage, played by Anthony Ramos and Davidson respectively, has become a fan-favorite in online communities. However, their exo-suit team-up has brought classic elements of the franchise's lore to the big screen, pleasing longtime Transformers fans. The surprise GI Joe ending sequence and mid-credit scene where Noah fixes his Autobot ally has opened up new potential for the two characters in future installments. With Optimus remaining a fan-favorite and Mirage potentially being one of the franchise's most important figures, the decision to leave audiences with a hopeful ending was a wise choice by Caple Jr. The film's avoidance of potentially retreading Bay's decisions has also saved it from scrutiny. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts continues to usher in a bright new future for the series.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter